More Ultra HD TVs were shipped in the second quarter of 2014 than shipped all year in 2013. According to DisplaySearch, 2.1 million sets were shipped in the second quarter, compared to 1.6 million in 2013. Brands introduced their 2014 model ranges in the quarter as well, with a clear focus on Ultra HD as the "must-have" consumer feature for high-end TV viewing.

With the introduction of the 2014 models, the shipment balance by region has shifted. In 2013 China accounted for approximately 80% of shipments in each quarter, as China vendors introduced low-priced Ultra HD TVs. However, in China there were few sources of Ultra HD content, and TV brands were largely marketing the higher pixel count to consumers. New Ultra HD TV models from global brands have been introduced in every region in 2014, and there has lately been an increase in Ultra HD content available from streaming providers.

A result of the regional shift is that China's share of Ultra HD TV shipments dipped to 60%, though as supply chains are filled there is likely to be some over-shipment relative to demand outside the China market.

"New Ultra HD TV model introductions have broadened the Ultra HD TV business, which has become a lot like the high-end TV market, in general," said Paul Gray, director of Europe research for DisplaySearch. "Even so, there needs to be greater implementation of broadcast offerings that deepen the value of Ultra HD sets, beyond pixel counts."